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<h1>A NOSE for talent ...</h1>
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<h2>introducing the Northumbrian Organ Scholarship & Education Trust</h2>
<p>Up and down the UK, one question vexes organists' associations. "Where will the next generation of organists come from?" There have been several excellent recent Organ Days here in the North-East of England, in which those thinking about taking up the instrument or extending their skills could obtain hands-on experience and advice. However, no musical instrument can be learned quickly, and for those starting to take lessons, or wishing to improve their musical skills, there are considerable financial demands as well as demands on time and commitment. We will not have a new generation of church organists unless we can find ways of sustaining our young people with financial as well as moral support, and the NOSE project has recently been created to provide such financial support to young organists across our region (Co. Durham to Northumberland and all in between).</p> 
<h3>Our aim:</h3>
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	<li>To fund educational projects to introduce young people (aged 10-16) to the organ, inspire them to learn to play, sustain their interest and support them in their studies.</li> 
	<li>To part-fund scholarships for young musicians who have begun their studies on the organ and have recognised ability to progress on the instrument. </li>
	<li>To award funding to young people to work alongside Directors of Music at churches within the region, able to offer a high degree of training and also to contribute some funding towards a scholarship.</li>
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<h3>Progress so far:</h3>
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	<li>A trust fund has been set up to enable us to raise money and distribute it according to the stated aims of the trust. 
	<li>Five trustees have been appointed:<br>
		<b>Andrew Hamnett</b> (formerly Vice-Chancellor of Strathclyde University, responsible for the installation of a large new organ in their Barony Hall)	<br>
		<b>James Lancelot</b> (Master of the Choristers and Organist, Durham Cathedral)<br>
		<b>Tom Bell</b> (International Concert Organist and tutor for RCO Academy, Oundle for Organists and many others)<br>
		<b>Michael Stoddart</b> (Organist and Master of the Music, Newcastle Cathedral)<br>
		<b>Magnus Williamson</b> (Senior Lecturer in Music, University of Newcastle upon Tyne)</li>
	<li>A launch event was held in St Thomas' Church, Haymarket, Newcastle on Friday 5th September 2014 at 7.30pm. Charles Wooler gave a recital on the thrilling 4 manual Harrison Organ, and a big screen was used to allow the audience to see the performer at work.
	<li>A significant sum has already been raised to allow the award of a number of scholarships over the next few years. These scholarships are described in more detail below
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<h3>The Scholarship Scheme for organ tuition</h3>

<p>This scheme is intended to help with the costs of organ tuition and is aimed at younger players who would either like to start the instrument having achieved a grade V or above on the piano or to those who have been playing for a little while and would like to move to the next stage in their mastery of the organ.</p> 
<p>The Trust intend to make these awards in conjunction with a specific church or other organisation that needs, or is likely to need in the foreseeable future, an organist for services or other events requiring organ accompaniment. The Trust will make a contribution of about half the costs of tuition and will expect the church to provide practice facilities and to make a similar contribution to tuition costs; it is anticipated that this latter contribution would be, at least in part, in lieu of payment for services.</p> 
<p>An application form for a scholarship is available on the web site. There are three parts to the application: the first establishes the skill base of the applicant organ scholar, the second commits the church to part funding the scholarship and the third is an agreement by a recognised organ teacher that he or she is willing to provide tuition under the terms of the scholarship.</p> 

<h3>Other Activities Supported by the Trust</h3>

<p>The Trust is happy to entertain applications for support for travel and accommodation for those wishing to attend Summer Schools and other similar events. Application should be made in writing in the first instance to the Trust Chairman, Andrew Hamnett (<a href="mailto:hamnetts@madasafish.com">hamnetts@madasafish.com</a>) and should be supported by a letter from your organ teacher or from your church giving details of the benefits expected. </p>

<h3>Funding the Trust?</h3>
<p>The Trust is delighted to receive contributions: details of the bank account and a pro-forma for arranging a standing order can be obtained from the Trust Chairman, Andrew Hamnett (<a href="mailto:hamnetts@madasafish.com">hamnetts@madasafish.com</a>). The Trust is registered with the Tax Authorities so we can recover 25p in every &pound;1 donated. If you wish to make a donation under this scheme we will provide an appropriate pro-forma, but it can only be used if you are a UK tax-payer. If just 25 people in the region were willing to gift aid a &pound;10 per month donation, we would raise &pound;3750 per year to aid the training of young organists.</p> 
<p>The Trust welcomes suggestions for fund-raising activities, and is happy to provide advice and help wherever it can. Please contact Charles Wooler (<a href="mailto:charleswooler@hotmail.com">charleswooler@hotmail.com</a>) for further information.</p> 
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